| State Gets $21 Million Over Five Years for Senior Alternatives
INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana has received a $21M federal grant over five years to pay for home health care, assisted living and other services needed by senior citizens moving out of nursing homes. Family and Social Services Administration Secretary Mitch Roob says the state received the funds to mark the success of a Division of Aging program called Options. The Options program was created to offer seniors alternatives to traditional nursing homes. Roob says many seniors enjoy the independence of community-based care. He says the availability of alternatives such as home health care, assisted living, adult foster care, and adult day services allows seniors to maintain some independence in their living arrangements while having access to services they may need. (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press.
Student loan terms could soon be revised
Congressional leaders are moving briskly ahead on bills that would dramatically cut interest rates on student loans for some borrowers.
Although the measures have yet to become law, one has been approved in the House and a similar proposal has passed a key Senate committee. Experts say this is a sign that lending reforms are likely to be included in higher-education legislation that is expected this year.
That comes as welcome news to many former students, including Delonda Graham, a 37-year-old health-care worker from Knoxville, Tenn. Graham, the ninth of 10 siblings, built up $25,000 in college debt while getting a degree in sociology from the University of Tennessee.
When she didn't get the high-paying job she'd hoped for after graduation, she deferred payment and then signed up for the Department of Education's "income-contingent" repayment plan.
Senior living redefined at First Community
Pecan-crusted mahi-mahi, lamb chops and scallops au vin. This is what passes for hospital food these days? Not really, and for one reason: This retirement center doesnt serve hospital food. First Community Village of Upper Arlington is a reflection of whats in demand for seniors who find its time to give up the house. The village is nearing the completion of a $55 million renovation at its 30-acre campus that will result in new buildings for those seeking independent living, assisted living and Alzheimers care residences. The new buildings, although separate, are connected. "People are expecting a different kind of facility," said First Community Chief Executive John Sandman. "Its an active-life community. The days of grandma and grandpa sitting in a rocking chair are gone." First Community Village was formed in 1963 by First Community Church.
Condos for seniors could be sold
K. Hovnanian Homes, the largest home builder in New Jersey, may sell its Concierge Club, a Teaneck condominium complex catering to those 60 years old and up, the company said this week. The division of Red Bank-based Hovnanian Enterprises Inc. is talking to several potential buyers "with special expertise in independent living," said Randy Brosseau, area president. .
Colwood megaproject faces test
Colwood council will decide Monday night whether to send a proposed $1-billion redevelopment of Colwood Corners to public hearing. Les Bjola, president of Turner Lane Developments is proposing a staggering mix of commercial and residential buildings that would carve a new downtown centre in the heart of the West Shore. When ultimately built out, there would be 3.2 million square feet of floor space on 5.6 hectares. The project would include 11 buildings of heights ranging from 12 to 27 storeys, a 100-plus-room four-star hotel, 2,782 living units, 200 commercial units and about 400,000 square feet of commercial and office space to be phased in over about 15 years. In December, Bjola had proposed eight buildings of up to 29 storeys including a hotel and office tower on the Colwood Plaza site bounded by Sooke Road, Jerome Road and Colwood Crescent.
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